Brown University announced on April 8 that Col. Hugh T. Clements Jr., a longtime law enforcement leader and Providence native, has been appointed vice president for public safety and emergency management as well as chief of police, effective immediately.
Clements takes on the role after serving three months in an interim capacity, guiding Brown’s efforts to maintain campus security following a mass shooting in December 2025. His appointment comes at a time when campus safety is seen as critical to the university community’s healing and recovery process.
Clements brings with him a distinguished career spanning nearly four decades with the Providence Police Department, including twelve years as chief of police, and experience directing the federal Office of Community Oriented Policing Services for the U.S. Department of Justice. At Brown, he will oversee the Department of Public Safety and Emergency Management (DPSEM), which provides patrols, crime deterrence, community engagement, and emergency response services across campus.
President Christina H. Paxson and Executive Vice President for Finance and Administration Sarah Latham said in their announcement: “Chief Clements brings an extraordinary combination of Rhode Island law enforcement leadership, national policy experience and a deep commitment to community-centered policing that position him to effectively lead public safety efforts at Brown… Over an accomplished four-decade career, he has consistently advanced innovative, data-driven strategies that build trust while enhancing safety.”
In his new role reporting directly to Latham—with additional accountability to Paxson—Clements will be responsible for setting direction on initiatives related to campus well-being, resilience against risks both known and emerging, preparedness programs, education efforts, inspections and coordinated emergency responses.
Reflecting on his service so far at Brown after joining during what he called “a deeply tragic event,” Clements said: “Working toward Brown’s goal of a safe and secure campus requires partnership across the entire Brown community… In my months as interim chief I have been encouraged by the resilience of students, faculty and staff.”
Prior to this appointment at Brown University—including time spent from 2018-2023 as visiting fellow at its Watson Institute—Clements received multiple commendations from various agencies such as the FBI; he also earned recognition from President Barack Obama’s administration with the White House Champions of Change Award.
